Panama Active Adventure

Watch the secret life of the rainforest unfold from your panoramic vantage point high atop a volcano as the steam rises from the humid jungle canopy far below.

Get an up-close view of huge ships passing through the narrow Panama Canal and locks in South America’s greatest engineering achievement. Take a tour of Panama’s charming colonial quarter and gear up for a thrilling white-water rafting adventure in the rapids of Rio Chiriqui Viejo River en route to a majestic 30-foot waterfall. Hike through the villages of Boquete and Cerro Punta where the Los Quetzales trail climbs steadily through rainforest and into tropical cloud forest. Climb through six climate zones on the challenging Baru Volcano hike where you’ll see views of both oceans from the highest point in Panama. You’ll also paddle through the remote island paradise of Panama’s Pacific coast and snorkel the crystalline waters surrounding Boca Brava.

This trip is not for the faint hearted. An experienced team of local guides will lead you deep into the rainforest where your fitness will be tested on a series of steep jungle hikes that will reward the faithful with incredible volcano-top views, remote waterfall lagoons and abundant wildlife sightings. Fortunately, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to rest and recharge in a collection of luxury boutique hotels and eco lodges.

Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.

Itinerary

Day 1: Panama City

You will be met and greeted at the Airport by an English speaking guide and transferred by private vehicle and driver.

Accommodation: Las Clementinas

Casco Viejo

Gatun Locks

Day 2: Panama City

In the morning, your English speaking guide will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the impressive Gatun Locks, the first set of locks situated on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. Here you will able to admire a series of three lock chambers where the huge container vessels are lifted or lowered a total of 26 meters. Each lock is 33.5 meters wide and 306 meters long and takes eight to 15 minutes to fill with water. The tour will continue to discover the next 100 years of the Panama Canal at the Expansion Observation Center, located in the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. Here you will witness history in the making while observing the construction of the new locks of the Panama Canal, one of the most important infrastructure projects of the early 21st century. To continue the tour you will be taken to the Casco Antiguo, where you feel set back in time as you admire the lovely colonial houses, the narrow roads and the impressive churches. You will get a good idea about Panama’s history by driving or walking through the main attractions of this quarter. A delicious lunch will be served in a distinctive local restaurant. To continue the tour you will be taken to Panama Viejo, the Old Panama. Panama Viejo was the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. This first Panama City was looted and destroyed by the notorious English bucaneer Henry Morgan in 1671 and therefore abandoned. Today there are only ruins left. Still, the tower of the ancient cathedral is standing and has become a landmark of the town. After the tour you will be taken back to your hotel. (Entrance fees & lunch included).

Accommodation: Las Clementinas

Boquete

Finca Lerida

Day 3: Panama City - David - Boquete

Sit back and relax on your private airport transfer with an English speaking professional driver in Panama city. This transfer should take approximately 30 minutes.

Fly from Panama City to David. The direct flight takes approximately 1 hour.

Travel to Boquete by private vehicle and driver. This transfer will take approximately 40 minutes.

Established by Tollef B. Mönniche in 1922, purchased by Alfred Collins in 1957, and developed and currently operated by members of the Collins family, Finca Lerida is one of Boquete’s oldest and most traditional Coffee Estates. Located in the Highlands of Boquete, at an altitude of 5,500 feet, on the foothills of the Baru Volcano, with its deep rich volcanic soil, this beautiful and traditional coffee estate offers optimum conditions for growing premium mountain coffee. The ample rainfall and sunny, dry harvesting season promotes ideal production of this Arabica. Mr. Mönniche designed and constructed the first “beneficio”, processing plant, functioning with water and by gravity, and designed and patented a coffee siphon which would be used in “beneficios” throughout Central America and other countries in the world. Lerida´s owner guided coffee tour takes you from the plantation through the process, roasting and brewing, finishing with a cupping session.

Accommodation: Finca Lerida

Quetzal Trail

Day 4: Boquete

The Los Quetzales trail unites the two communities of Boquete and Cerro Punta and is one of Panama’s most visited and popular hikes, named for a particular species of bird called the Resplendent Quetzal. Quite elusive, these birds are a magnificent and rare treat to observe and are a favorite among many birding enthusiasts. In addition to the Quetzal, there are more than 220 other bird species native to the area. From Cerro Punta to Boquete, the 10 km trail goes down steadily (roughly 800 meters) as you pass from tropical cloud forest to tropical rain forest and takes approximately 4-6 hours of hiking to complete. The tour starts with a two hours drive from Boquete to Cerro Punta where your hiking adventure on the Quetzal Trail starts. A normal a/c motorcoach takes you to the ranger station in the park. At the end of the hike you will be transferred for approximately 30 minutes back to your hotel.

Day 5: Boquete

This section of the Viejo is a fun ride where plenty of high and deep wave trains provide continuous excitement. Ranked as a class II with several class III rapids, the Sabo section is also a great place for bird watching. Kingfishers, Cormorants, and Egrets are common sights down the Sabo section of the Rio Chiriqui Viejo. This less technical section is great for beginners looking for excitement. Transportation to and from Boquete as well as rafting equipment, English speaking guides and lunch is included. Please note that water levels may vary depending on rainfall.

Included: Lunch ,Transportation to and from Boquete, rafting equipment and English speaking guides.Bring: Clothes to get wet, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, water, shoes that fasten on your feet, copy of your passport.

Accommodation: Finca Lerida

Baru Volcano

Day 6: Boquete

It's an early start this morning (approx.6am) as you will get to hike the Baru Volcano on a shared guided excursion today. Enjoy a lovely drive uphill to the Volcan Baru National Park Ranger Station and from there you will start the challenging hike to the highest point of Panama. While hiking up the volcano, you will encounter 6 different climate zones: humid mountain forest, low humid mountain forest, low humid mountain rainforest, mountain rainforest, very humid mountain rainforest and pre-mountain rainforest. The average annual temperatures vary between 20°C at the Park Ranger Station to under 10°C on the top of the volcano. Depending on your level of fitness you will reach the top between 4 and 6 hours later. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the summit and take in the great views - with good weather conditions, you will be able to see both oceans from the top of the volcano!

In the afternoon, take your time and hike back downwards. The return part of the hike will typically take between 3 and 5 hours. After the tour you will be dropped of at your hotel. (Includes: Transportation, English speaking guide, entrance fees, breakfast, lunch, water, juice, snacks). Please note that this is a challenging hike. Sturdy footwear and a certain level of fitness is required.

Accommodation: Finca Lerida

Boca Chica

Bocas del Mar Hotel

Day 7: Boquete - Boca Chica

You will picked up and transfered from Boquete by private vehicle and professional basic English speaking driver to Boca Chica.

Nearby Boca Chica, there are many miles of pristine, dense mangroves to explore in the hotel’s own excursion boat. Head out late afternoon and cruise gently along the serene waterways surrounded by amazing river forest vegetation. Take your binoculars with you and spot the huge variety of birdlife as you journey! Finish the tour as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean in a calming and romantic setting.

Includes drinks served on board, transportation from and to Gamboa Resort, English- Speaking naturalist tour guide.

Accommodation: Bocas del Mar

Snorkeling in Gulf of Chiriqui

Day 8: Boca Chica

Head out into the stunning Gulf of Chiriqui Marine National Park with your local captain to the islands of the gulf, see the marine life with the breeze in your hair and feel the warm tropical air and sand between your toes on pristine white beaches. Depending on time of the year, you will stop by beautiful Isla Bolaños for snorkeling and swimming, Isla Gámez for tropical beach relaxation or Isla Parida charming island with indigenous people, tame caymans and other wildlife to spot. On the way you will have the possibility to spot dolphins, turtles, manta rays and other marine wildlife.

Includes Local Captain, Snorkel equipment, bottled water and picnic lunch.

Accommodation: Bocas del Mar

Day 9: Boca Chica - David - Panama City

You will be picked up and transfered from Boca Chica by private car and professional basic English speaking driver to David. The transfer will take approximately 45 minutes.

Fly from David to Panama City today. The direct flight takes approximately 1 hour.

Sit back and relax on your private airport transfer with an English speaking professional driver in Panama city. This transfer should take approximately 30 minutes.

Accommodation: Las Clementinas

Day 10: Panama City

Relax on your private airport transfer with English speaking professional driver in Panama city. This transfer will take approximately 1 hr.

What's Included:

Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

What's not Included:

Trip Terms & Conditions

Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid such as (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price and any non-refundable airfare and cruise deposits if applicable. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 75% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.

Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary

Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.

Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

Hotels

Las Clementinas Hotel

Deluxe Apartment

Las Clementinas - Panama City

Located at the heart of the Panama City’s UNESCO World Heritage Site historic district, Las Clementinas is a Casco Viejo Hotel with large, lovingly decorated one bedroom suites that sleep up to four people, a spectacular roof top view and lush gardens. Las Clementinas was originally built in the 1930s as an apartment building, and has retained the original apartments’ layouts, giving the rooms unmatched size and volumes. Think of it as a classic small European hotel with much larger rooms, gracious finishes and no elevator. The property is also located in a quieter part of the historical part of town. Each of Las Clementinas chambers is really an apartment unto itself, with great space, light and views. While the spaces have kept their classic feel, and many of the common area historic finishes were recovered, the chamber interiors have been re-built completely with all modern comforts.

Finca Lerida - Boquete

Located in an exclusive private nature reserve approximately 15 - 20 mins from the center of Boquete, Finca Lerida Boutique Hotel and Plantation is nestled in the middle of its own coffee plantation. Finca Lerida Boutique Hotel and Planation is surrounded by a private natural forest reserve with over 550 different species of birds which makes it the ideal place for bird watching in the Highland region of Chiriqui. The property is also bordered by the VolcanBaru National Park, which has the only volcano in Panama. Further afield lies the La Amistad International Park, a UNESCO designated World Heritage site. Wake up to the symphony of birds and to the aroma of home grown “Finca Lerida” Estate Coffee brewed specially for you! Please note that given the remote location of this property, cellphone and data communication may not be reliable.

Bocas del Mar - Boca Chica

Bocas del Mar Hotel in Chiriqui is a stunning boutique hotel with modern, luxury features. In a privileged coastal location on the mainland at Boca Chica, it is perfectly positioned for a completely relaxing vacation. The focus is on quality customer service and attention to detail. Hotel accommodations are in sixteen large contemporary-style bungalow guest rooms, including the magnificent Premier Suite. All rooms are set in tropical gardens alongside the glistening blue water; open your drapes each morning and the Pacific Ocean is there to greet you!

Map

Reviews

Central America
Bob More ,
April 21, 2014"Every detail was taken care of, and all connections were on time. We were extremely pleased, couldn't stop telling everyone about our great trip. Each room / hotel was better than the last. Wow great holiday!"

Central America
Steve Walling ,
January 20, 2014"We are home safe and sound from the best vacation I can remember. It seemed seamless to us but I know that you worked very hard to make our experience so good.
The guides and drivers were always punctual and reliable. They were very knowledgeable, personable, and funny. They provided us with very helpful information and helped us work on expanding our Spanish. The hotel staff was friendly and helpful and the rooms were very nice.
I especially appreciate our ability to update our plans while we were in Costa Rica. The zip lines were the highlight of our trip. I hate to think we almost missed out by not including it in our original plan.
You have made a friend and supporter for life. I will certainly recommend you to anyone I know going to Costa Rica.
"

Central America
Merrel Bowles ,
November 07, 2013"I would highly recommend this company for overseas travel. We had personal drivers that spoke perfect English and were also very knowledgeable in conversation pertaining to their country. Drivers were always early and eager to please. Your wish was their command!!!Every tour included educated guides who knew how to make our experience fun and exciting! I loved having personal drivers and guides, as well as many inclusive meals. We will definitely use this company for future travels."

Central America
MikeCoke ,
April 09, 2013"Our Costa Rica trip was amazing. The whole family thinks its the best we've ever taken! Kensington did an excellent job of organizing everything. The two hotels they picked were amazing.
Arenal -- The Springs Resort & Spa was almost too good since as soon as the family saw it they wanted to cancel activities so they could take full advantage of all it offered. We ultimately did cancel the safari to give us a free day to spend a day at the spa, pools and Club Rio (riding the river in innertubes!). The activities Kensington setup were excellent and very adventurous. Our favorite was canyoneering (repelling), We were all terrified at the first drop-off! It's more thrilling the zip lining (also lots of fun) and river rafting (a blast as well).
Manuel Antonio -- The Preserve at Los Altos was very nice. It was like staying in a 3 bedroom apartment at a boutique hotel (same feel as Athenum in London but nicer). The drive to get there was a bit long but worth it when our driver made a surprise stop at the the "crodillio bridge". The tour through Manuel Antonio National Park is a must do for nature lovers (3 types of monkeys, sloths, etc). Our guide was excellent. If you go MA NP, try Kapi Kapi for dinner.
I'd highly recommend using Kensington (Brandi was our rep) for a Costa Rica trip. Thanks for hooking us up with them.
Have fun.
Mike"

Central America
L Huber ,
April 03, 2013"Hi Erika
We returned yesterday from our wonderful Costa Rican vacation and I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed it. We loved staying at the El Silencio (the kids would have liked to stay even longer so we could have taken some of the nature hikes). Being surrounded by the cloud forest was an amazing sensation that really helped us to feel that we were in a completely different world and was a perfect way to begin the trip. Maria Lucia was a very kind tour guide and showed us the all sites in a huge day (the waterfalls, Poas volcano, the coffee plantation & Sarchi). The staff at El Silencio was wonderful and Jeff and I very much enjoyed the food and the very elaborate wine tasting there.
In La Fortuna the activities ruled. We loved everything, the exhilarating waterfall rappelling, the zip lining (& tiger swing - the kids LOVED IT) the volcano hike and we had a FANTASTIC time on the river safari with Gerald and his friend Tom. Gerald was a great guide and was able to share many stories while letting us see the wildlife. We saw a spectacular Toucan flock and of course the monkeys were a huge hit. Ending up at the farm was a fun end note to the trip. Of course we enjoyed the hot springs at the Tabacon - they are pretty amazing. Jeff and I had a chance to have a massage at the Tabacon spa and it was spectacular. The service at the hotel was lovely and our room did have a beautiful view of the volcano. I think the hot springs & spa are far superior at the Tabacon.
Alex drove us from both El Silencio to La Fortuna and then from La Fortuna to Punta Islita (that is a lot of driving and he did a great job - he was so friendly and made the travelling very enjoyable). On the way to La Fortuna he made a point of showing us the Iguana restaurant and it was a great wayside stop for everyone.
Punta Islita was stunning. Our villa Ilan Ilan was ideal, the view and the setting were spectacular. The kids loved the pool (when they weren't swimming & playing in the ocean), Jeff loved being able to finally drive around a bit like a native (the villa came with a small 4 wheel car), and I enjoyed waking up every morning to see the sunrise over the cliffs at the ocean's edge, and hear the incredible variety of birds (and on the last day even the howler monkeys). We enjoyed so many of the activities the hotel had to offer. Andrey & Hector and the whole staff were so warm and hospitable. They really worked hard and made every effort to make our stay so much fun. Hector helped us plan some more zip lining, surf lessons, a dolphin sighting/fishing boat trip and a sunset horseback ride which was the perfect way to wrap up the trip.
Ronald picked us up and got us to the airport in plenty of time. Ronald was very interested in showing us the wildlife as we drove through the different areas and we really enjoyed that.
Everywhere we went the people were absolutely wonderful, kind, and proud to show us their country and it made our trip spectacular.
Erika, thank you for all you did to help make the trip such a huge success.
"

Central America
Brian Blades ,
April 24, 2013"Very prompt at getting information back to us and very helpful with any changes we wanted.
This trip was as good as the last trip we did with Kensington, could'nt have been any better. Our guides were excellent, especially Gerald.
"

Central America
Stephen Strom ,
April 22, 2013"The transfers went flawlessly; the guides were all superb (knowledgable; thoughtful; sensitive; responsive to our needs). The recommended hotels were, with one exception (see below), also first rate and well matched to our needs and temperaments.
Our thanks for providing 3 wonderful guides: Gary Ortiz (Antigua); Carlos Antonio Lopez (Tikal and Yaxha); and Israel Canto (Belize). All of them understood that we have ‘peculiar’ tastes (for example: photographing lichen covered tree trunks while the magnificent structures at Tikal were but meters away!). It is really critical that guides not try to make sure that we see every ‘important’ thing, but recognize instead that ‘importance’ is very much a personal thing.
"